A Christmas Present from Congress for Homebuyers

If lawmakers get their way, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) will become tax-deductible for home loans originated after January 1, 2007. PMI is a requirement for most home loans in which borrowers make a down payment of less than 20%.

The bill has already been passed by Congress and awaits the President’s signature before it becomes law.

While the new deduction is restricted to homebuyers whose annual household income does not exceed $100,000, the legislation could impact nearly 50% of all homebuyers, according to a SMR Research study of homes financed in 2005.

Up until now, many homebuyers have used "piggyback" loans in order to avoid paying PMI. Apiggyback loan is where the homebuyer obtains two mortgages, a first mortgage for 80% of the purchase price, and a second mortgage for the remaining funds required, outside of the down payment.

Since many homebuyers have chosen a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) as their second mortgage, their required monthly payments have increased significantly as a result of the actions of the Federal Reserve. Today, many homebuyers with a HELOC are now paying more than they would have if they had chosen PMI with their original mortgage.

What does this legislation mean to you?

Under the law, homebuyers will have more financing options available that offer greater tax deductibility and lower monthly payments. This means a homebuyer could potentially afford a more desirable home! In addition, homebuyers could qualify for traditional mortgages rather than the more expensive options they were forced to pursue in the past.

The new law, should President Bush allow it, would apply to home purchases and restructuring of acquistion mortgages (no cash out refinances) only. The bottom line is it is always great to have more options for home buyers.

UPDATE: Sure enough…President Bush just signed this new law to be in effect from January 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007. I’ll post more information as I find it.

About the Author

Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and joined Mortgage Master Service Corporation as a Loan Officer in 2000 and began blogging in 2006. Read More…

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Rhonda has been helping people with their mortgage needs at Mortgage Master since April 2000. If you are buying or refinancing a home in WA, she's happy to help you! Mortgage Master Service Corporation's NMLS ID is #40445.